American Computer Museum in Bozeman, Montana clicks – "Oh boy, how far we’ve come,"

At a graduation ceremony in Bozeman, the founder of the American Computer Museum http://www.compustory.com/ encouraged the audience to picture a rancher in 1892 stepping into a darkened hotel room in South Dakota.

The rancher, accustomed to gas lamps, struck a match as he entered the room. In the flickering light, he saw a large sign placed in the hotel by the Thomas Edison Co. as hotels across the country converted from gas lamps to light bulbs.

The sign read: "This room is Equipped With Edison Electric Light. Do not attempt to light with match. Simply turn key on wall by the door."

In smaller type, it said:

"The use of Electricity for lighting is in no way harmful to health, nor does it affect the soundness of sleep."

Amid the audience’s laughter, the speaker held up the original sign.

"Oh boy, how far we’ve come," he said.

DONNA HEALY Of The Gazette Staff

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